If you have a smart TV and you're fine with the built-in apps, or all you want is a cheap stick or cast, that's fine, that's great. Or, if you're waiting on a less expensive or higher-end Apple TV or VR kit, check out the playlist above.But if you're all in on the Apple ecosystem, need that on your television, and want it in all its 4K HDR 60 frames per second, then the refreshed Apple TV 4K will give you no more but not less than exactly that.
I like Apple TV and the home screen that automatically synchronizes across multiple Apple TV systems and even cleans up unused apps. It’s a sharper look and certainly less whimsical than what you get from Roku. Do I like it more? I’m not sure. I will say that I now like the Apple TV remote at least as much as Roku’s, if not more. It’s the best redesign Apple’s done in years.
if you’re using an older Apple TV, and have been holding off on buying the 1st generation Apple TV 4K for a while because you figured a new one must be right around the corner, this is the Apple TV you’ve been waiting for. Get it, it’s good.
The Siri Remote is the star here, and it’s the best remote we’ve ever tested. It’s simple, minimalistic and, most importantly, intuitive to use. It’s a serious upgrade over the original, and if you’re currently happy with your previous-gen Apple TV 4K, we’d pay $59 and get the new remote. If you have an aging Apple TV HD, now is a terrific time to upgrade and future-proof yourself for several years. Of course, you’ll also get the new Siri Remote.That’s the Apple TV 4K, and it’s not cheap at $179 to start. Chromecast with Google TV is just $50 and Roku’s Ultra player is $99.99. But what it lacks in a low price point it makes up for in value — especially if you’re in the Apple ecosystem.
If you haven't invested in Apple's streaming ecosystem, the 2nd-gen Apple TV 4K offers a great opportunity to dive in. On the other hand, if you already own an Apple TV 4K, the most significant upgrade here is the impressive Siri Remote. Seriously, it really is the best television or stream set-top box remote I've ever used.
We were impressed with the redesigned Siri remote: we found the clickpad to be far more accurate than the previous model when it came to scrolling through apps and shows, and were also impressed that the TV could be switched off at the same time as the Apple TV 4K (2021), which means fewer remotes cluttering up the coffee table. The extra weight – 64g compared to 45g – is welcome, giving the feel of a more premium build quality.
Should you buy it?If you want amazing audio and video content (and have the TV to support features such as Dolby Vision) and don’t mind that HomeKit is a relatively small part of the experience, I’d say yes, provided you’re an iPhone household. Keep in mind that along with the viewing experience, you’re getting a Thread router for your smart home too; an added bonus for the future of your smart home!
It’s two things, mainly: a slicker, more integrated user interface and a wider variety of functions. On the latter point, for example, Apple TV 4K supports both gaming (through a €10 per month Apple Arcade subscription) and workouts (through a €10 per month Fitness+ subscription).Some years back, Apple CEO Tim Cook told an audience that he believed the future of television lay in apps. Apple TV 4K is an example of hardware being put into place to usher in that future.
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